Why Many of TodayÂ’s Evangelical Pastors Are Cult-Like
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http://www.worldviewweekend.com/secure/cwnetwork/article.php?ArticleID=1390%0A
Why Many of TodayÂ’s Evangelical Pastors Are Cult-Like
By Brannon Howse
I am very thankful for the many Bible-believing, conservative pastors in America that love the Lord Jesus and serve Him faithfully. Sadly, many of AmericaÂ’s self-professing evangelical pastors exhibit some of the traits and characteristics of a cult leader instead of that of a Biblically-minded, servant leader.
Recently, I was sharing my concerns with a friend of mine that is a pastor and church administrator. I shared with my pastor friend the various stories of churches in turmoil due to the lack of biblical integrity, leadership and humility from their senior pastor. My friend commented that many of these pastors sounded like cult leaders.
A few hours after our phone conversation, my pastor friend e-mailed me a few of the characteristics of cult leaders that he had uncovered in his afternoon of research.
While many of todayÂ’s evangelical pastors donÂ’t reject the foundational Christian doctrines such as the virgin birth, the trinity, the resurrection and salvation through Jesus Christ alone; they do however exhibit some of the following characteristics that are common to cult leaders.
1. Specially appointed by God
I am stunned at how many church members defend the sinful actions, attitudes and beliefs of their pastor by declaring that they were appointed or ordained by God and thus should never be questioned.
Many of the pastors in America were never called, ordained or appointed by God, despite what their fans claim, and this is confirmed by the pastorÂ’s lack of Godly proclamations, leadership, convictions, and lifestyle.
Paul tells us in Acts 17:11 that the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians because they examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true.
Many of the leaders of todayÂ’s churches are being enabled by the simple-minded and not Bereans.
2. The cult's adherents often expound the virtues of the leader and seek to cover the leaderÂ’s sins and wickedness.
Some of the “virtues” espoused by the defenders of today’s cult-celebrity pastors include:
Attendance has increased under his leadership
Giving has increased under his leadership
He is a very gifted speaker and communicator
He is attracting and appealing to a younger audience that has been missing from our church
He is so personable
He is a strong leader
While these may be commendable leadership qualities resulting in “ministry productivity,” they are not a license for financial mismanagement, unaccountable authority, blatant sin, or sexual misconduct. Followers who turn a blind-eye to this type of leadership activity contribute to the denigration of the Gospel in the minds of believers as well as non-believers.
3. Entangling Organization Structure: The less truth a movement represents, the more highly it seems to have to organize itself; the absence of truth seems to make necessary the application of the bonds of fear. Cults often demand total commitment by their converts to an organizational involvement that entangles them in a complicated set of human restrictions, giving the impression of passionate and often irrational devotion to a cause.
Many of todayÂ’s cult-celebrity pastors rule with an iron fist of threats and intimidation. Some of these pastors donÂ’t like to be involved in the intimidation themselves so they leave it up to some of their deacons, elders, associate pastors, or ministry representatives.
Biblically-minded Christians are often completely astounded by how committed the sheep will be to their cult-celebrity pastor. Even in the face of irresponsible, immature, unethical and even illegal activities by the pastor or ministry leader, the flock will passionately defend them with arguments and excuses that are completely irrational as they disregard the truth that stares them squarely in the face.
Those that question the pastor or ministry leader are guaranteed to be admonished by him and his leadership team to cease their criticism or find another church or ministry organization. Indeed this kind of control and manipulation on the part of the leadership entangles many of the church-goers or followers because they don’t desire to give up their freedom of speech, conscience or convictions. Neither, do they desire to leave the church in which many of them were raised, married, dedicated their children and even held funeral services for their parents and/or grandparents. The church members indeed find themselves entangled by fear that the truth with banish them from what they have come to love dearly – the church.
4. Financial Exploitation
Under the leadership of a cult-celebrity pastor, financial exploitation can take on many forms. Many of these pastors financially exploit the church by receiving salaries that are no where near the average salary of the congregation, but are more consistent with the salary of a CEO running a Fortune 500 company. I have read of pastors that receive salaries from their church that range from $250,000 to $500,000 or more.
I once asked a friend if it bothered him that it was reported that his pastor was receiving a salary of $500,000. I was quickly and defensively told that it not only did not bother him, but that his pastor deserved a million dollars a year.
Am I the only one that sees something wrong with pastors receiving $250,000 salaries or more here at the beginning of the 21st Century? Are these individuals interested in being a pastor/shepherd or a CEO?
The perks that many of these cult-celebrity pastors receive, in addition to their salary, continues the financial exploitation of the church, and its members, that have given generously and sacrificial by doing without the many materialistic things that are now enjoyed by their cult-like pastor.
The financial exploitation can also include the pastorÂ’s strict demand that church members tithe according to his standards in order to be in good standing, hold positions of leadership within the church, or receive great financial blessings from God.
If any of these cult-like characteristics sound like your pastor, you might want to pay close attention the next time your church observes the LordÂ’s Supper. When you receive that little plastic communion cup make sure it is filled with grape juice and not Kool-Aid.
**edited by CE - deleted the too many between-paragraphs spacing.... nothing else has changed. sorry laoda. -
All for the money
10% of money from each church member
You will be rich in no time!
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The financial exploitation can also include the pastorÂ’s strict demand that church members tithe according to his standards in order to be in good standing, hold positions of leadership within the church, or receive great financial blessings from God.
In the Roman Church we call this grave crime, Simony. -
when the NKF CEO gets that kind of salary, it's a scandal ...
when some pastor gets it, it's normal ... -
Actually NKF wouldn't be so bad if the management was transparent and they didn't sue those people.Originally posted by Fatum:when the NKF CEO gets that kind of salary, it's a scandal ...
when some pastor gets it, it's normal ...
For pastor is normal because the sheeps are willing to donate.
Edit: and those churches work on the principle God is blessing those who are willing to donate. So if pastor is rich, it is all due to God -> shows the glory of God etc. -
I remember Sraits Times cover this once, seem like majority of the churches peg the salary of the pastor against that in the education industry, so for example a Pastor of a big Church will have his salary peg against say a Principal or HOD of a Secondary school or JC .... etc.
(ie... there are some Principals who are at superscale type drawing 5figure pay packets also)
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vince .. I believe it is 'principal'.
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I have a question here though, what are the checks and balances in place ?
I mean, what or who holds those evangelical or charismatic churches and their pastors to account with regards to finances ? Their congregation is not a very satisfactory answer to me, and this thread shows.
most other religions have their own umbrella bodies that provides some sort of oversight on the finances and management of their member temples, mosques, or whatever.
when it comes to christianity, are all churches members of the NCCS ? does the NCCS provide oversight over finances and management ? ... -
I also have a question.Originally posted by Fatum:I have a question here though, what are the checks and balances in place ?
Are there public interests involved? -
of course ...Originally posted by Icemoon:I also have a question.
Are there public interests involved?
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why do you say that?Originally posted by Fatum:of course ... -
u need to be attending a church and attending the church's AGM to understand all these. purely speculations and vain discussions here gives no conclusion.
and for those not attending any churches...you have no right to take part in such discussions. -
if we have 10 durais sitting pretty around somewhere, do you think that is a good situation ? ...Originally posted by Icemoon:why do you say that?
without oversight, what's there to prevent such a thing from happening ? ... and do keep in mind that their congregations are not distinct and seperate from the rest of society, even if in their minds they have drawn the line between believers (to their church's (read: pastor's) teachings), and the non-believers, they have families to feed, bills to pay, nest eggs to build up ...
I look at some of my friends, poly grads clearing barely 2k a month, with a kid still in diapers, squeezing themselves to tithe, when their pastors enjoy the high life. Yes, I think it's a scandal ... -
The should leave that false church that cater to the world and not Christ.Originally posted by Fatum:if we have 10 durais sitting pretty around somewhere, do you think that is a good situation ? ...
without oversight, what's there to prevent such a thing from happening ? ... and do keep in mind that their congregations are not distinct and seperate from the rest of society, even if in their minds they have drawn the line between believers (to their church's (read: pastor's) teachings), and the non-believers, they have families to feed, bills to pay, nest eggs to build up ...
I look at some of my friends, poly grads clearing barely 2k a month, with a kid still in diapers, squeezing themselves to tithe, when their pastors enjoy the high life. Yes, I think it's a scandal ...
I never heard of tithing till i met my denomination friend. A Catholic priest earns as much as her family tithe ($500). I find Glory of God bestowed upon the Pastor a realli stupid excuse for him acculumating his wealth. Even when the vatican is rich, none of its members or cardinals or even the Pope gets to enjoy its wealth. They all live frugal life and dedicated everything (even celibacy) to God. That is called SACRIFICE and not GLORY. -
To a certain extend I will really agree with you.Originally posted by Icemoon:Actually NKF wouldn't be so bad if the management was transparent and they didn't sue those people.
For pastor is normal because the sheeps are willing to donate.
Edit: and those churches work on the principle God is blessing those who are willing to donate. So if pastor is rich, it is all due to God -> shows the glory of God etc.
Actually there's nothing wrong with pastors drawing high pay. The bottom line is that how the pay is being derived. The current day charismatic churches are drawing the tithe with the wrong foundation. Let God will deal with them when he wants.
We as believers just give as a duty to do so. And the giving may not be going into the offering bag. It can be quietly given to charity. If the sum is big, always can ask the help of a trusted assistant/friend to help to give. And God who sees you do in private will have his set of judgement also.
But believers willing to donate to the church, the law cannot reach out to them. If you feel that something is wrong you can always don't give as many other proper churches are doing. "Please refrian from giving if you're not sure about the meaning of offering."
The way some of the churches are operating is indeed not appropriate. Do what we need to do & avoid fighting conflicts and let God do his judgement.
This article is very blunt but true. Hits the nail on the head driving it through the plank in one shot. -
seriously did Christ tell you to tell us that?Originally posted by NT2:and for those not attending any churches...you have no right to take part in such discussions. -
You never hear of tithing because you never read the Old Testament issit?Originally posted by Pope Nicholas:The should leave that false church that cater to the world and not Christ.
I never heard of tithing till i met my denomination friend. A Catholic priest earns as much as her family tithe ($500). I find Glory of God bestowed upon the Pastor a realli stupid excuse for him acculumating his wealth. Even when the vatican is rich, none of its members or cardinals or even the Pope gets to enjoy its wealth. They all live frugal life and dedicated everything (even celibacy) to God. That is called SACRIFICE and not GLORY.
Anyway you should read the health and prosperity gospel explanation when you are free. See how some pastors argue that God wants us to get a good life - healthy, wealthy etc.
I say this from my Jewish understanding also - the rabbis in the Jewish Oral Tradition were married. The one or two who were not were criticised by their peers.
I think Apostle Paul also said, if you cannot control your fire (sexual urge?), then better get married? -
Erm .. you can't bestow glory of god on someone. glory of god can only be seen by your actions.Originally posted by Pope Nicholas:I never heard of tithing till i met my denomination friend. A Catholic priest earns as much as her family tithe ($500). I find Glory of God bestowed upon the Pastor a realli stupid excuse for him acculumating his wealth.
And I think pastors don't use that excuse to accumulate wealth. It is because the congregation is willing to give (to receive more blessings?) that's why he can accumulate wealth. Furthermore the congregation has no lack of elites like doctors or lawyers. These people might earn even more.
It takes two hands to clap. -
In 1 Cor 7, Paul says celibacy is a gift and he embraces it and wished people would do the same.Originally posted by Icemoon:You never hear of tithing because you never read the Old Testament issit?
Anyway you should read the health and prosperity gospel explanation when you are free. See how some pastors argue that God wants us to get a good life - healthy, wealthy etc.
I say this from my Jewish understanding also - the rabbis in the Jewish Oral Tradition were married. The one or two who were not were criticised by their peers.
I think Apostle Paul also said, if you cannot control your fire (sexual urge?), then better get married?
In Matt 19:11-12, 29. we see Christ teling celibacy is a gift.
Note celibacy is a church PRACTICE not a doctrine. Onli Roman (Latin-Rite) Catholics priest are celibate. The other Eastern Rite catholic churches do not. -
if we have 10 durian pastors sitting around .. it means God is blessing them. If every member of the congregation can become a durai .. then we all can sing hallelujah liao. Because we dun need to work and everyday just praise the LordOriginally posted by Fatum:if we have 10 durais sitting pretty around somewhere, do you think that is a good situation ? ...
without oversight, what's there to prevent such a thing from happening ? ... and do keep in mind that their congregations are not distinct and seperate from the rest of society, even if in their minds they have drawn the line between believers (to their church's (read: pastor's) teachings), and the non-believers, they have families to feed, bills to pay, nest eggs to build up ...
I look at some of my friends, poly grads clearing barely 2k a month, with a kid still in diapers, squeezing themselves to tithe, when their pastors enjoy the high life. Yes, I think it's a scandal ...
I think Pastor Prince used to say, let me paraphrase, if you are rich this might not mean anything, but if you are poor then it surely mean God is not blessing you.
It is not the pastor fault lah. For the case of your friends, if you want to help them, the only way is to preach the correct gospel and teach them proper theology. You think they dunno their pastors enjoy good life meh? In fact they want their pastors to enjoy good life! Because this will show their pastor is blessed and anointed by God! Agree? -
Gift and he wished only.Originally posted by Pope Nicholas:In 1 Cor 7, Paul says celibacy is a gift and he embraces it and wished people would do the same.
In Matt 19:11-12, 29. we see Christ teling celibacy is a gift.
Note celibacy is a church PRACTICE not a doctrine. Onli Roman (Latin-Rite) Catholics priest are celibate. The other Eastern Rite catholic churches do not.
but he also added a clause - 8Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. 9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
So Paul is still a practical person.
Anyway if it is a gift .. I dun see why some Catholics like to compare priest with pastors .. then laff pastors 'cos they are not celibate. -
Im just comparing the two ways we judge our sheperdsOriginally posted by Icemoon:Gift and he wished only.
but he also added a clause - 8Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. 9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
So Paul is still a practical person.
Anyway if it is a gift .. I dun see why some Catholics like to compare priest with pastors .. then laff pastors 'cos they are not celibate.
Catholics priest - sacrifice
Protestant pastor - Money for the Glory of God??? -
Wrong.Originally posted by Pope Nicholas:Im just comparing the two ways we judge our sheperds
Catholics priest - sacrifice
Protestant pastor - Money for the Glory of God???
Protestant pastor - church growth, congregation spiritual growth, everybody's health and wealth etc. -
The part in red is very wrong.Originally posted by Icemoon:if we have 10 durian pastors sitting around .. it means God is blessing them. If every member of the congregation can become a durai .. then we all can sing hallelujah liao. Because we dun need to work and everyday just praise the Lord
I think Pastor Prince used to say, let me paraphrase, if you are rich this might not mean anything, but if you are poor then it surely mean God is not blessing you.
It is not the pastor fault lah. For the case of your friends, if you want to help them, the only way is to preach the correct gospel and teach them proper theology. You think they dunno their pastors enjoy good life meh? In fact they want their pastors to enjoy good life! Because this will show their pastor is blessed and anointed by God! Agree?
Pastors enjoy good life or not is between them and God. I hope that my pastor enjoy a good life because he is my friend in Christ. Shouldn't I hope my brother enjoys good life because of love for him? People who live their life to God's demands are blessed regardless of who he is.
But people who cheat using God's name to gain wealth or fame will face God's judgement regardless who he is.
Having how much wealth does not equate to the blessings you receive from God. For what does not come from God comes fro you know what. -
frankly, why quote here? lets keep this topic as general as possible without going into specific details yah?Originally posted by Icemoon:I think Pastor Prince used to say, let me paraphrase, if you are rich this might not mean anything, but if you are poor then it surely mean God is not blessing you.
btw, I don't think he said God is not blessing you, but rather if I am not worng, you are not using the blessing from God or not trusting in God (something like this)
oh, thanks icemoon for correcting me.